Can’t fault HAMS for being curious—it's in our nature! 😄 Gotta say, from where I’m sitting, the Field Day call was a good one. Safety first, always the right move. Looking forward to the fun and shenanigans when we reschedule.
Side note: I’m all set here with backup power and whatever else the weather throws at us. Looking forward to hearing how the bands are treating y’all—hopefully from the cozy comfort of your shacks, HF/VHF reports in one hand, warm coffee (or hot cocoa?) in the other ☕📡 Stay safe and have fun out there! 73, KJ5HMX From: BVARC <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Richard Bonica via BVARC Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 9:38 PM To: [email protected] Cc: Richard Bonica <[email protected]>; BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected]>; Glenn <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone) Dont worry about it. There are contracts and agreements set for that. And there is no issue asking. We are here for info and prepping for an incident. Let's stay focused and keep clear heads . Richard Bonica C: 281.935.7222 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Freq: 147.000 - DMR - Digital Mobile Territory: NE Fort Bend CERT, CST, EST, WEB EOC, HSEEP, FEMA PD, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Extra Ameture Radio On Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 9:31 PM Lloyd Coker <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Why… is there a problem with asking? So, lets say we have a major outage and we need to help fill or provide more fuel… Then knowing what kind of generator it has is nice to know. Hmmm… not sure why it was an issue asking. Lloyd F. Coker Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Email2: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Cypress, Texas 77429 KI5OYC From: BVARC <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of Glenn via BVARC Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 21:21 To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Cc: Glenn <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>; Richard Bonica <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone) Lloyd, Why do you need all of this information? Glenn wb5tuf -------- Original message -------- From: Richard Bonica via BVARC <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Date: 1/21/26 21:18 (GMT-06:00) To: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Cc: Richard Bonica <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>>, BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: Re: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone) Ok - it is a natural gas from what I remember and should run until the dinosaurs stop producing. Other than that, does anyone else have feed back on this. Sorry I don't have more info, I trust the geniuses that run it know more. I just beat it with Radio waves and it yells back. But I am sure others have better info on that than I do. Richard Bonica C: 281.935.7222 Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Freq: 147.000 - DMR - Digital Mobile Territory: NE Fort Bend CERT, CST, EST, WEB EOC, HSEEP, FEMA PD, Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Extra Ameture Radio On Wed, Jan 21, 2026, 8:05 PM Lloyd Coker <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote: Is it generator backed up? If so, diesel, gasoline, or natural gas (or propane tank)? What is the estimated run time while experiencing a full/continuous power outage? Just curious. 😎 Thanks, LFC Lloyd F. Coker Email: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Email2: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Cypress, Texas 77429 KI5OYC From: BVARC <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> On Behalf Of Richard Bonica via BVARC Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2026 19:55 To: BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Cc: Richard Bonica <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: [BVARC] Why We’re Using the 146.88 Repeater (Frequencies & PL Tone) Hello everyone, I’ve received a few questions asking what the 146.88 repeater is and why I’ve been asking members to use it. Since good questions deserve good answers (and bad rumors deserve none), here’s the scoop — plus the technical details so nobody has to guess or squint at a repeater directory. What is the 146.88 Repeater? The 146.88 repeater is a high-level, wide-area coverage repeater that reaches a large portion of the Houston–Galveston area. Because of its height and location, it performs exceptionally well during poor weather and other situations where lower-level or simplex communications may struggle. In plain language: it hears really well, it talks really far, and it does not need to be yelled at. Repeater Technical Details (a.k.a. “How to Make Your Radio Happy”) * Receive (Downlink): 146.880 MHz * Transmit (Uplink): 146.280 MHz * Offset: –0.600 MHz * PL / CTCSS Tone: 167.9 Hz (uplink and downlink) * Power / Height: 75 watts at ~1400 ft (If your radio still won’t key it up after this… we may need to talk. Kindly. 😄) Coverage Area This repeater provides wide-area coverage, including: * North to Wallis * South to Dickinson * West to Sealy * East to Daisetta In other words, if you’re in the Houston metro area and your antenna isn’t zip-tied to the fridge, there’s a good chance you can hit it. Why We Are Using 146.88 I use and recommend 146.88 because it allows members across a wide geographic area to communicate clearly and reliably. It’s well suited for general coordination, information sharing, and keeping everyone connected when conditions aren’t ideal. You may notice that we are not using 146.94, and that is intentional. That repeater is actively used by other agencies and groups, and I prefer not to be that guy who accidentally interrupts someone else’s operations. Sharing spectrum politely is part of being good amateur radio operators — and good neighbors on the air. Important Notes (Read This Before Getting Any Big Ideas) * Members may use the repeater normally in accordance with amateur radio rules and good operating practices. Other agencies will be using this repeater and if an emergency net starts, please give them way. * Please do not self-deploy or take independent action unless specifically directed * This is about communication and coordination, not spontaneous hero missions As amateur radio operators, we all know the phrase: when all else fails, radio works. Choosing the right repeater just increases the odds that it works the first time — without drama. Thank you for the questions, the curiosity, and for keeping things professional (and occasionally entertaining) on the air. 73, Richard Bonica KG5YCU BVARC President
________________________________________________ Brazos Valley Amateur Radio Club BVARC mailing list [email protected] http://mail.bvarc.org/mailman/listinfo/bvarc_bvarc.org Publicly available archives are available here: https://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/
